A Comparative Study of Wound Infections Following Wound Closure Using Staples and Absorbable Sutures Among Obese...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Infectious Disease Control

Background:

• Surgical site infections (SSIs) are complications following surgery.
• Obesity is a risk factor for SSIs, particularly in lumbar spine procedures.
• The comparative efficacy of skin staples versus absorbable sutures for wound closure in obese patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery has not been previously investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) between skin staples and absorbable sutures for wound closure in obese patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective observational study of 40 obese patients (aged 18-75) undergoing lumbar spine surgery between March 2021 and March 2023.
• Patients were divided into two groups: Group A (n=20) with skin stapler closure and Group B (n=20) with absorbable suture closure.
• Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0, focusing on the number and timing of wound infections.

Main Results:

• The incidence of SSIs was significantly higher in the absorbable suture group (35%) compared to the skin staple group (15%).
• Surgical site infections developed earlier in the absorbable suture group (mean 9.86 days) compared to the skin staple group (mean 12.67 days).
• No significant differences were observed in the mean age or gender distribution between the two groups.

Conclusions:

• Skin staples are associated with a decreased incidence of surgical site infections in obese patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery compared to absorbable sutures.
• The findings suggest that skin staples may be a preferable method for wound closure in this patient population to reduce infection risk.